From Data to Manuscript: A Strategy for Young Oncologists to Write a Scientific Paper

Abstract

Scientific manuscripts are the basis for the transmission of scientific data among physicians in all fields of medicine. To teach young oncologists the skills needed to author a paper, we decided to emulate how experienced clinicians perform this task. The first step is to create a spreadsheet with all the clinical data gathered and submit it to a statistical analysis using a statistical software package. The most important results are presented in the graphs and tables. The results should be explained in a logical and understandable manner. Writing the “Materials and Methods” section follows, with all the technical information that any other researcher may need to reproduce elsewhere the study in question. A critical-thinking stage, in which a review of the pertinent literature is conducted with the use of a reference management software, should provide all the knowledge and questions to write the “Introduction” and “Discussion” sections. The “Abstract” and “Title” are the final sections to be created. Following these steps, the author can correct the first draft of the manuscript for submission to a specific journal. Choosing the right journal and answering the reviewers' comments are also important steps in this process. Even if a young oncologist does not embark on an academic career, learning how to write a scientific manuscript is believed to be the best way to teach them how to read such manuscripts during their lifelong continuous self-education.

Keywords

medical writing - artificial intelligence - manuscript - medical

Authors' Contributions

AG: collection and assembly of data, conception and design, data analysis and interpretation, final approval of the manuscript, and writing of the manuscript; DIGC and MUPC: collection and assembly of data, data analysis and interpretation, final approval of the manuscript, and writing of the manuscript.

Publikationsverlauf

Eingereicht: 03. März 2024

Angenommen: 21. Mai 2024

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
15. Juli 2024

• References

• 1 www.elsevier.com. [Internet]. [Accessed on January 15, 2024]. 11 steps to structuring a science paper editors will take seriously. Available from: https://www.elsevier.com/connect/11-steps-to-structuring-a-science-paper-editors-will-take-seriously
• 2 Gemayel R. How to write a scientific paper. FEBS J 2016; 283 (21) 3882-3885
• 3 Huston P, Choi B. A guide to publishing scientific research in the health sciences. Can Commun Dis Rep 2017; 43 (09) 169-175
• 4 International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) [Internet]. [Accessed on February 5, 2024]. Recommendations for the conduct, reporting, editing, and publication of scholarly work in medical journals. Available from: https://www.icmje.org/recommendations/
• 5 JASP - Free and User-Friendly Statistical Software [Internet]. [Accessed on February 5, 2024]. How to Use JASP. Available from: https://jasp-stats.org/how-to-use-jasp/
• 6 Lang TA. Writing a better research article. J Public Health Emerg 2017 ;1(12): Available from https://jphe.amegroups.com/article/view/4265 Accessed on January 27, 2024
• 7 Capstone Editing [Internet]. 2017 . How to Write & Publish Your First Scientific Journal Article
• 8 Altmäe S, Sola-Leyva A, Salumets A. Artificial intelligence in scientific writing: a friend or a foe?. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47 (01) 3-9
• 9 Quick_start_guide [Zotero Documentation] [Internet]. [Accessed on February 5, 2024]. Available from: https://www.zotero.org/support/quick_start_guide
• 10 Iskander JK, Wolicki SB, Leeb RT, Siegel PZ. Successful Scientific Writing and Publishing: A Step-by-Step Approach. Prev Chronic Dis 2018; 15: E79 10.5888/pcd15.180085
• 11 Alam II. Checklist for Publishing a Scientific Paper. 2020 [Accessed January 23, 2024]; Available from: http://rgdoi.net/10.13140/RG.2.2.19305.31842/1
• 12 Sarli C. BeckerGuides: Selecting a Journal for Publication: Find a Journal [Internet]. [Accessed on January 28, 2024]. Available from: https://beckerguides.wustl.edu/c.php?g=648201&p=4545487
• 13 SciSpace Resources [Internet]. 2021 [Accessed on January 28, 2024]. 11 Reasons Why Research Papers Are Rejected. Available from: https://typeset.io/resources/11-reasons-why-research-papers-are-rejected